Birthday Party Photography with Big Light
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
I photographed Aurora's seventh birthday party just for fun at the new Baby Cotton Bottoms store. Aurora's mother Dani owns the store that specializes in cloth diapers, baby carriers and natural parenting supplies and gear. The store also has a really cool space that is just perfect for parties, not to mention photography. One wall features a series of frosted glass panels and beautiful northern daylight spills into the room. Here are a couple of pictures to illustrate the wonderful quality of light and just how much fun Aurora's birthday party was! I love this shot of Aurora blowing out her candles and this portrait of Aurora, left, after she got her face painted by Meridith Hyland. Below is a wonderful portrait of Abby with her friend Maeve. All moments captured with one camera, one lens and from a seated position while holding a whoopie pie:) — Sean
I photographed Nick's first birthday last Saturday as part of a year-in-the-life project that I'm doing for Nick and his parents. We had a great time and Nick was in good spirits, excited to see all of his guests and enjoying every minute. Photographing a child's birthday, especially if it's their first birthday, is a great occasion for photography. Here are some rules for taking birthday pictures that I always live by. First, I use a portrait lens to keep busy backgrounds from taking over. Second, I use natural light to create depth and to avoid that "overly-flashed" look. Finally, before the start of the party I take time to make a set of family pictures. There's nothing more meaningful or cherished than family pictures from your child's first birthday. By making a concerted effort to photograph grandparents and other family before the start of the party you won't have to worry that you missed someone and everyone can really enjoy themselves during the party, including you:) Happy shooting! — Sean
